Compare Subaru Ascent

Against its Competition the Subaru Ascent Rises to the Occasion

The latest foray by Subaru into the SUV segment, in the tradition of the late and great Subaru Tribeca, the new three-row Subaru Ascent is a powerful, confident ride, exceptionally comfortable, expertly equipped, and exceedingly safe -- everything a busy traveling family could hope to find in a mid-size sport utility vehicle with full-size aspirations. In fact, it's already pulling ahead of long-time competitors where it matters, from Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander to Mazda CX-9. What's more, here at Brilliance Subaru, we've made it easy to see how.

With 8.7 inches of ground clearance, Ascent towers over obstacles. Pilot only has 7.3 inches.

You can tow anywhere from 2,000 pounds to 5,000 when Ascent is comparably equipped -- enough for camping gear, recreational vehicles, a boat, or even another vehicle. Pilot can only tow 1,500 pounds at base.

Options in Ascent include a blind-spot detector, lane change assistance, rear cross-traffic alert, reverse automatic braking, LED fog lighting, and LED steering responsive headlights. In Pilot, they include only blind-spot and cross-traffic monitors.

6.5- and 8.0-inch STARLINK multimedia infotainment options appear, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to connect your smartphone and 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability to connect you to the Internet. Base Pilot models offer only a 5-inch screen, 7- and 8-inch options appear later in the lineup, and Apple and Android phone support only come with a step up to EX and higher trims.

Ascent is the roomier choice, with up to 153.5 cubic feet of passenger volume, 17.8 cubic feet of minimum cargo space, and up to 86.5 cubic feet of max cargo space. Pilot's interior measures only up to 152.9 cubic feet, with 16.5 minimum designated for cargo.

Toyota Highlander

Subaru Ascent vs Toyota Highlander

With a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine capable of shelling 260 horsepower at 277 pound-feet of torque, Ascent is the more energetic workhorse. Highlander can only put out 185 horsepower and 184 pound-feet in its base trim.

Standard Subaru Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive, an X-MODE®, and Active Torque Vectoring join forces to keep Ascent capable over diverse terrain, through foul weather, across slippery surfaces, and around corners. In Highlander, AWD is only an option.

Ascent can tow 2,000 to 5,000 pounds when equipped properly, great for taking on small trailerfuls, weekend toys, or a second vehicle. Highlander can only tow up to 1,500 pounds at base -- only enough for a small pop-up tent camper.

STARLINKtrade; Safety and Security services are an option, letting you contact first responders and get roadside assistance when you need them, receive maintenance notifications, produce a vehicle health report monthly, and get alerts for diagnostics, not to mention start your engine, manage climate controls, and lock and unlock doors remotely, take advantage of Concierge services, and more. Highlander offers similar Safety Connect technology, but it's not as comprehensive, and you can only get it at the top of the line.

Choose between 6.5- and 8.0-inch STARLINK multimedia infotainment options, each with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for connecting a smartphone and 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability for Web connection on the go. Highlander offers four Entune options, 6.1- or 8.0-inch screen-equipped, but neither Apple nor Android support, and there's no mobile hotspot option.

Ascent has edges on Highlander in passenger and cargo space, up to 153.5 cubic feet for riders compared to 144.9 and up to 86.5 cubic feet for luggage compared to 83.7.

Mazda CX-9

Subaru Ascent vs Mazda CX-9

Ascent is more powerful, with a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder SUBARU BOXER engine that delivers 260 horsepower. CX-9 maxes out at 227 horsepower.

You can tow anywhere from 2,000 to 5,000 pounds in Ascent, making it easy to take another vehicle or any number of recreational equipment along for the ride. CX-9 can only haul up to 3,500 pounds.

EyeSight® technology comes standard, and driver-assist options in the new Ascent range from a blind-spot detector, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert to reverse auto braking and LED fog lighting and steering responsive headlights. CX-9 only makes available blind spot monitoring with rear cross traffic alert and smart city brake support at base, and you'll need to graduate to later trims to get lane-keep assist, lane departure warning, pedestrian detection, and more.

You'll find a choice of 6.5- and 8.0-inch STARLINK multimedia infotainment systems, each standardizing Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to extend your smartphone's features to the dash and 4G LTE Wi-Fi capability for Web connection on the go. CX-9 provides a choice between 7- and 8-inch options, you'll have to go with CX-9 Touring for Apple and Android phone support, and there's no hotspot capability.

Count on up to 153.5 cubic feet of space for passengers and as much as 86.5 cubic feet of space for cargo. CX-9 trails Ascent, with 135.1 and 71.2 cubic feet respectively.

Come See for Yourself

Are you ready to experience the new Subaru Ascent SUV in-person? Check out our competitive comparison, right here, then be sure to stop by our showroom on North Randall Road in Elgin to see what it can do for you firsthand! Shop for new Ascent SUV near St.
Charles, Bartlett, Geneva, Huntley, and Schaumburg.